The landscape of family law in England and Wales has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly following the introduction of no-fault divorce under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. As more couples seek constructive and proportionate solutions, joint representation models such as One Couple, One Lawyer are moving into the mainstream. Joanne Radcliff, partner at Hill Dickinson, explores the shift towards this client-focused approach.
A post no-fault divorce landscape
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act came into force in April 2022 and marked one of the most significant changes to divorce law in decades. By removing the requirement to attribute blame, no-fault divorce has reduced the emotional temperature of separation and created space for new ways of resolving disputes.
Many family lawyers are seeing a noticeable shift in client expectations. Increasingly, separating couples are less interested in ‘winning’ and more focused on resolving matters efficiently, privately and with dignity. Against this backdrop, the rise of the One Couple, One Lawyer model feels less like a novelty and more like a natural evolution of modern family law practice.
What is the One Couple, One Lawyer model?
The One Couple, One Lawyer model allows separating couples to jointly instruct a single, neutral solicitor to guide them through the legal process. Rather than each party retaining their own legal representative, both individuals work together with one solicitor to reach a fair and legally sound agreement. This solicitor provides legal information and facilitates discussions but does not act for either party in the traditional adversarial sense.
It is particularly suited to couples who are broadly in agreement, wish to avoid litigation, and are committed to resolving matters amicably.
Why more couples are choosing joint representation
One of the most compelling advantages of the One Couple, One Lawyer model is its cost effectiveness. According to recent analysis, collaborative and joint representation models typically cost 40-60% less than traditional litigation, with most cases resolving for £5,000-£15,000, compared to £25,000-£50,000+ for contested proceedings.
In addition to financial savings, the model often leads to quicker resolutions. By working with one solicitor, both parties receive the same information simultaneously, reducing delays and the risk of miscommunication.
Many high-net-worth individuals are seeking this model. For families with complex asset structures, business interests or intergenerational wealth, discretion, proportionality and control are often important. A joint approach, supported by specialist advisers, can allow sophisticated clients to resolve matters efficiently while preserving relationships and reputations.
When the model does and does not work
The One Couple, One Lawyer model works best where both parties are able to engage openly and on a broadly equal footing. It is particularly effective for couples who are aligned on the principle of separation, committed to transparency and willing to prioritise resolution over positional bargaining. In these circumstances, joint representation can promote clarity, reduce duplication and support more efficient decision-making.
However, the model is not suitable for all separating couples. It is generally inappropriate where there are safeguarding concerns, a history of domestic abuse or coercive control, significant power imbalances, or where one party feels unable to express their views freely. In such cases, separate legal representation is essential to ensure that individual interests are properly protected.
A responsible practitioner will assess suitability at the outset and remain alert to emerging risks. Where appropriate, other professionals, such as independent financial advisers, accountants or family consultants, can be brought into the process to ensure decisions are fair, informed and robust.
Looking ahead
The One Couple, One Lawyer model reflects a broader shift in family law towards more constructive, client-focused approaches. It offers a practical alternative to traditional representation, particularly for couples who are committed to resolving matters amicably and without unnecessary conflict.
While it is not suitable for every case, and careful screening is essential, it can be an effective and proportionate solution for many separating couples, especially in the context of no-fault divorce. This can include high-net-worth families who prioritise discretion, efficiency and control, and who are able to engage openly with specialist advice as part of a joint process. The model promotes clarity, reduces duplication, and can significantly lower both the emotional and financial costs of separation.
About the author
Joanne Radcliff is a partner at Hill Dickinson and specialises in complex divorce cases involving family trusts, businesses or international considerations such as foreign assets. She is highly experienced in putting together pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements and regularly represents clients in divorces where such agreements are a factor. She is a trained collaborative law practitioner and leads Hill Dickinson’s One Couple One Lawyer offering. She also acts as a neutral judge in private hearings. Clients include business owners, entrepreneurs, sports people, professionals and wealthy families. Joanne also works with social mobility charities and on LGBTQ+ initiatives.
